This original Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s sword is complete with the original metal scabbard. This quality steel edged weapon was carried by Major Ivan Tailof of the 65th New York Infantry.

The drawn sword measures a total length of 37.25 inches from tip to pommel.  The steel blade is 32.00 inches long with a 14.50 inch narrow fuller and a 21.25 inch wide stopped fuller. The blade surface is bright with light mottling on both sides, mostly near the point. The true edge has no nicks and is clean. The obverse ricasso is blank while the reverse ricasso has a strong stamping of a standing knight surrounded by “CLAUBERG / SOLINGEN.” The blade surface is embellished via the acid etching process that features a scrollwork motif above each ricasso. The obverse etching consists of a foliate design of a spreadwinged eagle over a riband that reads, “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This is in turn flanked by additional foliate. Reverse of blade is etched with foliate then the letters “U.S” done with serifs followed with more foliate. Leather washer is present and complete at the base of the guard.

Weapon has a highly detailed, two-line, cutout brass hilt with the guard and knucklebow cast in one piece.  Upper line of brass hilt features prominent letters “US” surrounded by finely case foliate. Bottom line has an intricate, foliate cutout design. The grip is made of formed ribbed brass with several courses of faux dead bullion wire. Phrygian pommel cap is border-engraved with an oak leave floral pattern. Knucklebow and guard has slight wiggle to it. Quillon is a nicely formed eagle head with very good detail.

The very fine, dark colored, smooth undented steel scabbard looks to have been originally blued but is now dark with light to moderate oxidation and very small amounts of pinprick surface pitting. The throat is brass with engraved oak leaves all the way around the base. The two mounts are also of brass and are decorated with medallions at center and scroll work above and below. Reverse has similar decoration. The medallion at center of the top mount is engraved “C. LAMBERT TO MAJOR IVAN TAILOF.” Engraving is well done and very readable. Both suspension rings are present. The brass drag is also very ornate. It is covered with foliate and very detailed fern leaves. All brass on the scabbard wear a nice patina while the brass on the hilt shows signs of light cleaning.

Ivan Tailof was born in Russia on February 23, 1835. He enlisted in New York City on May 11, 1861 as a Private in Company I, 7^th New York Militia and was mustered out on June 3, 1861.

He enrolled again on August 10, 1861 to serve as First Sergeant in Company H, 65^th New York Infantry but on the 1^st of September he was transferred to Company G.

On August 1, 1862 Tailof was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in Company F and served with them until he was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant of Company G on July 1, 1863. By March of 1864 Tailof was Captain of Company B and was mustered out with a detachment of the regiment on September 12, 1864 at New York City.

While with the 65^th he saw action in the battle of the Seven Days, Chancellorsville, Salem Church, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg.

Tailof served again as Major of the 2^nd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry being commissioned on December 24, 1864. He was discharged on March 10, 1866.

The Major never married and lived in New York for the rest of his life. He died on April 1, 1913 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Item comes with complete military and pension records as well as several copies of photos showing Tailof during the war and as an older man. [AD]

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